Rollers, BDF XI take leaps towards Top 8 final

BDF XI and Township Rollers have drawn first blood in their respective semi-final ties by recording victories that could be significant in their aim to reach the Mascom Top 8 final. This weekend’s semi-final clashes yielded a combined tally of ten goals as fans were treated to a goal fest in the first leg of the semi-final matches.

 

Chikwanda outclasses Mogae
Former Nico United coach Elijah Chikwanda proved a point to a club that dismissed him in December last year. His BDF XI side recorded an impressive 5-2 victory over his former club at SSKB on Sunday; the score line suggests that he outclassed his counterpart Kenneth Mogae.
Goals from Saukani Zulu, Bonolo Phuduhudu and a hat trick from Lesego Lubinda helped the army side command a three-goal advantage ahead of the return leg in Selibe Phikwe next weekend.
Chikwanda’s side outplayed their opponents as they flooded their defensive area with countless attacks. Nico replied with goals from Gift Moyo and Richard Legwaila; the two away goals could prove to be important because they still have a chance to progress to the final despite the heavy loss. However, Majombolo will have to score three goals in order to for them to qualify for the final.
Numerous pundits have stated that BDF XI may reach the final but Nico have proved that they are capable of upsetting the odds. In the first edition of the Mascom Top 8 they were trailing 5-2 in their quarterfinal match against Mochudi Centre Chiefs, and they almost advanced to the next stage after winning 2-0 in the return fixture in Phikwe. They were a goal away from advancing to the next stage and history has also proved that they can mount a comeback in the second leg.

 
Rollers edge Moyagoleele
The Gaborone Derby has produced the winners of the competition in the past two seasons; any side that progressed from this tie has been triumphant since the inception of the competition. Rollers beat their city rivals 2-1 with goals from Leutwetse Tshireletso and Motsholetsi Sikele while Tebogo Sembowa scored for the Reds.
Rollers midfielder Maano Ditshupo scooped the man of the match prize after a dazzling display while the likes of Lawrence Majawa and GU’s Edwin Olerile also displayed fine individual performances.
Since GU, conceded two away goals, they now have to win by two or more clear goals in the return leg against their rivals. Derby matches are often evenly balanced and Moyagoleele will fancy their chances of overturning their one goal deficit in the second leg.
Prior to the semi-final, David Bright revealed his desire to meet Rollers in the final but his wish came early in the form of a semi-final tie against their rivals.
The return leg was scheduled to take place on February 9 but it is likely to be postponed due to GU’s CAF Confederation Cup match against Supersport United next week Saturday. A midweek fixture is set to be organised by the Botswana Premier League (BPL) following  the postponement of the second leg game.